Health + Wellness

I get asked often if I eat meat or animal products. I do. But not a lot. My take on this topic is that mostly “plant based” makes me feel my best while giving my body the nutrients it needs. What does plant based mean? Exactly how it sounds. It means that the majority of the foods I eat are plants and everything else is secondary.

About 80-90% of the foods I eat are plant based, but I’ve decided not to put a label on myself because there are those rare occasions when I just really want a burger, ya know? The kind that has bacon and avocado aioli on it? Yeah, I’m a huge fan. Every once in a while I want some buffalo chicken wings. And I know that it isn’t the end of my healthy lifestyle. Because I LOVE this lifestyle. I will always come back to it. And usually when I eat less healthy foods, I eat super clean the next days. Because life is all about balance. It isn’t about creating a stressful or restricted mentality around foods. Food is meant to be enjoyed.

What do I eat? So many different things. I LOVE to cook and I love coming up with new recipes and creations. I juice a combination of fruits and vegetables at least 3-5 times a week and drink a (usually green) smoothie almost every single day. I make lots of big salads and stir fry dishes. My recipes are always gluten free and dairy free because those are both inflammatory foods and not conducive to gut health (which is my jam). One thing I NEVER do is compromise flavor in my healthy recipes. I believe you can have both because healthy eating is not meant to be restrictive or boring. I use lots of spices, GARLIC, and herbs (cilantro is my best friend) in my cooking and I’m a huge fan of homemade clean dressings and sauces. I love experimenting and taking inspiration from other recipes and making them my own. I also love taking a recipe that is less healthy and putting my own healthy spin on it. But, my favorite thing ever is taking “non-believers” and junk food addicts and creating something even they love and enjoy.

I truly believe that eating more plants and less animal products is the best plan for overall health, wellness, and longevity. Plant based foods literally harness energy from the earth and pass that on when you consume them. It’s best to eat a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and nuts/seeds. You know the slogan “taste the rainbow” from Skittles? Yeah, do that just with fruits and vegetables instead of Skittles. Your body will thank you and love you right back, promise. If you are interested in information on plant based lifestyles or want more validity behind the claim to go plant based, here are some documentaries to watch:

Why did I start health coaching in the first place? Why do I want to inspire others to lead a healthy lifestyle and be the best versions of themselves? Why do I choose health and wellness everyday?

This is my “why”…

Because I’ve been unhealthy.

Because I used to live with fear and anxiety every single day.

Because I’ve had numerous loved ones pass from cancer.

Because I watched my dad almost pass away from a preventable disease.

Because I want to inspire.

Because health, nutrition, and overall wellness are my PASSION.

Because I want to leave a positive impact and touch as many lives as possible.

Because I want to live from the heart.

Because this fire to spread health, love, kindness, and light burns inside me every single day.

Because I don’t want to leave this earth with any regrets.

Because I believe right down to my core that this is what I was made to do.

Because I’m done playing small.

Because I want to make my own path.

Because this is me being my most genuine and authentic self.

Because my heart holds so much love and compassion and I want to spread that into the world.

Because I believe this is how I was meant to serve.

I was always told it’s important to have a strong “why” behind building a business. I always knew I was meant to help and serve people. I didn’t know “how” until I had health concerns of my own, which led me to diving into a healthy lifestyle. I genuinely love guiding others to lead a healthy lifestyle and to ultimately be the best version of themselves.

Ashley Carlson Co

Hi ! My name is Ashley Carlson and I am a Holistic Health + Wellness Coach, lover of life and doing what feels good for the soul. My journey towards health + wellness is what makes me so passionate about helping others (you can read my story here). I love creating healthy recipes that taste amazing, inspiring women to lead their best lives, pilates + yoga, sunny vacations on the beach, and reading/listening to podcasts on all things health, wellness, and nutrition. I'm also a huge lover of essential oils and love learning about crystals and astrology. Basically, I am always learning and I love it. Now I want to know, how can I best serve or inspire YOU?!